Overview
- James Harrison Trimble-Pettitt, 32, pleaded guilty at Stafford Crown Court to two counts of owning dogs dangerously out of control causing death after abandoning a limited-liability basis during a trial of issue.
- Sentencing is scheduled for 5 January 2026 at Stafford Crown Court.
- Police said Ian Price’s death could have been avoided because the owner failed to secure the XL Bullies, which escaped through a window and an insecure door in Stonnall on 14 September 2023.
- Bystanders tried to rescue Mr Price before he was taken to hospital and died shortly afterward, and his family publicly thanked those who intervened as well as emergency services and hospital staff.
- One dog died during the incident and the other was euthanized by a vet; the animals were identified as Via, a champagne-coloured female, and Ares, a white male.